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The Royal Palace of Cambodia is often referred to as the 'Precious Gem' of Phnom Penh. The palace leaves a lasting impression with its grandiose beauty, from the architecture rich in Cambodian heritage to the surrounding scenery. Not only is it the home of the king and the royal family, but it is also the venue for royal and national ceremonies. If you ever visit Cambodia, a tour of the Royal Palace is a must!
An Overview of the Royal Palace of Cambodia
The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a complex of buildings constructed in the past century by King Norodom I. Today, it serves as a site for receiving foreign guests and hosting court meetings and diplomatic ceremonies.
The full name of the Royal Palace of Cambodia is Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng Chaktomuk. The Royal Palace holds great significance for the people of Cambodia, as they have deep respect and admiration for their king and royal family.
The Royal Palace of Cambodia is one of the most famous attractions in the capital city, Phnom Penh (Image source: Collected)
Historical records show that the Royal Palace of Cambodia was built after King Norodom I decided to move the capital to Phnom Penh in 1866. This marked a pivotal moment in Cambodia's history and culture, which continues to shape the nation to this day. The palace serves not only as a residence for the royal family but also plays a crucial role in diplomacy, hosting foreign dignitaries and royal ceremonies.
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Address of the Royal Palace of Cambodia: Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The History of the Royal Palace of Cambodia
The Royal Palace of Cambodia officially began construction in 1866 after King Norodom I moved the capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. By 1871, the initial phase of the palace was completed. However, it took an additional two years before the surrounding walls were finished. At that point, the entire royal palace complex was officially completed.
In the years that followed, several architectural structures within the palace complex were either constructed or completely rebuilt. Notably, the Chanchaya Hall and the reception room stand out. Despite nearly two centuries of history, all the architectural elements of the palace complex have been preserved in their original form to this day.
Architecture of the Royal Palace of Cambodia
The entire Royal Palace is enclosed by towering walls adorned with intricate sculptural statues. The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a stunning fusion of modern and traditional architectural styles. As a result, it exudes the elegance and grandeur of a European castle while retaining a subtle air of ancient reverence.
It is no exaggeration to say that the Royal Palace is a prime example of ancient Khmer architecture, a style that is rare to find today. The construction of the palace was meticulously crafted to architectural standards that far exceeded expectations.
Admire the colossal and majestic architecture of the palace (Image source: Collected)
In addition, the royal palace complex is home to many unique monuments and architectural masterpieces. Among them, the most prominent is the colorful royal garden, filled with a variety of exquisite flowers. This further enhances the palace's noble beauty, making it both magnificent and romantically enchanting.
Currently, the Royal Palace of Cambodia is divided into several distinct areas, each serving its own unique function, such as:
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The Royal Audience Hall: This is where the king and high-ranking officials meet for court sessions.
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Chanchhaya Stage: The place where the king delivers speeches and hosts banquets for distinguished guests.
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Phonochani Hall.
Main Attractions within the Royal Palace Complex
Today, the royal family of Cambodia still resides and works within the Royal Palace of Cambodia. As a result, the entire complex is not open to the public. Instead, visitors are allowed to explore certain designated architectural structures within the palace grounds. Below are some interesting sites that tourists can visit.
Chùa Vàng - Chùa Bạc
Hầu hết du khách thắc mắc tại sao một ngôi chùa lại có đến tận 2 cái tên? Nguyên nhân sâu xa bắt nguồn từ vật liệu xây dựng nên ngôi chùa. Theo nhận định của du khách phương Tây, họ thường gọi là Chùa Bạc vì ngôi chùa có hơn 5.000 viên gạch được làm từ bạc nguyên khối. Còn đối với du khách Châu Á, họ thích gọi là Chùa Vàng hơn vì tại ngôi chùa có bức tượng Phật đúc bằng vàng ròng, nặng đến 90 kg.
Chùa Vàng (chùa bạc) là điểm đến đầy mong đợi trong quần thể cung điện hoàng gia (Nguồn ảnh: Sưu tầm)
Có thể nói, bức tượng Phật bằng vàng này mang giá trị vật chất lẫn tinh thần đối với các tín đồ Phật giáo. Hơn cả thế, có đến 2.100 viên kim cương quý giá được đúc vào pho tượng, mỗi viên lên đến 20 carat. Do đó, bức tượng Phật ở Chùa Vàng thu hút đông đảo du khách đến viếng thăm và chiêm bái.
Chanchhaya Stage
Chanchhaya Stage is a highly anticipated destination for all visitors to the Royal Palace. Also known as the Moonlight Stage, it faces Sothearos Road. This stage hosts royal musical and dance performances, and it is also the place where the king addresses the people during public speeches.
Grand Hall
The Grand Hall was once the venue for the king’s court meetings with his ministers. Today, it is primarily used for important ceremonies such as the coronation, royal weddings, and for receiving foreign dignitaries.
Flower Garden
If you find yourself weary from a long journey, take a moment to relax in the beautiful flower garden! It is home to many rare and valuable flowers. Right at the entrance, you will encounter the sala tree, a species deeply connected to the life of the Buddha. If you stroll slowly, you may also spot other unique and rare plants, such as the golden scorpion tree and the century-old fig tree.
What is the best time to visit the Royal Palace of Cambodia?
Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from June to November, with heavy rains that account for 80% of the annual rainfall. Therefore, visitors should check the weather forecast before visiting any tourist destinations in Cambodia.
The beginning and end of the year are the ideal times to visit Cambodia. (Image source: Collected)
Although Cambodia's dry season can be quite hot, it is a favorable time for travel. The dry season lasts from November to February, with pleasant and relatively cool weather during this period.
However, visitors should avoid traveling to Cambodia from March to May, as the weather can be quite stifling and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, those visiting in April can experience the country's vibrant festival season.
What is the entrance fee to the Royal Palace of Cambodia?
The entrance fee for visiting the Royal Palace of Cambodia starts at just 40,000 VND per person. This is quite an affordable price, suitable for any budget. Additionally, the Royal Palace is open from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can plan their trip according to these hours for convenience and ease of exploration.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Royal Palace of Cambodia
To make the most of your visit, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing flip-flops when entering the palace. Skirts that are too short or overly thin clothing are strictly prohibited inside the palace.
Taking photos of the palace's exhibits is not allowed.
Do not touch the Buddha statues or engage in any disrespectful actions towards the royal family.
Keep noise levels down; loud talking or laughing is discouraged in the palace grounds.
If you bring a camera or video recorder, expect to pay an additional fee of 2-5 USD.
Here are the detailed insights about the Royal Palace of Cambodia. With this valuable information, we hope you’ll have another fascinating destination to consider when visiting the 'Kingdom of Wonder – Cambodia'. For free travel consultation to Cambodia, contact 028 3827 0404 of Mytour if you’re interested!
